Autumn is a beautiful season in the garden and a beautiful season for
gardening. It is a good time to evaluate how the garden fared during
the
growing season. Which plants performed well and which did not. Make
notes now on what to change or repeat for next year. Take a good look
at
the landscape to see if there are changes to make or places that need
filling. Garden centers have great sales in the fall. Trees, shrubs and
perennials can all be planted now. Perennials can be dug up and divided
as they die back.

The fall season is loved for the changing colors of the trees. Fiery
red
maples, yellow ashes and coppery oaks put on a spectacular show. But
not
every yard has room for these grand shade trees. There are many small
trees and shrubs that provide just as much color that are a more
suitable size for the average home landscape.

One of the nicest small trees for fall color is the dogwood. This time
of year their berries are turning a brilliant red. The leaves will also
become a deep red. The native redbud tree has large heart-shaped leaves
that turn yellow in the fall. Another small native tree, the
Amelanchier
(common name is service berry) has orange colored fall foliage. Each of
these trees also has flowers in the spring, providing more than one
season of interest.

In the shrub category there are many selections for spectacular fall
color. Most people are familiar with burning bush (Euonymus alata
compacta). It is a common hedge and shrub border plant turns bright red
in the fall. The color alone sells this plant. But the show is
short-lived. One of my favorite shrubs for fall color is Itea
virginica,
common name Virginia sweetspire. The leaves turn the color of red wine
and linger on the bush until late in the season. It also blooms in the
month of June. The white flower spikes are lightly fragrant. Itea can
also tolerate a wet site.

There are many other shrubs to chose from for fall color- too numerous
for this column. But one more to mention is viburnum. There are many
varieties of viburnum most of which have very good fall color. Most
flower in the spring or early summer and provide berries for wild
birds.
Many have the added bonus of intoxicating fragrance.

September is the time to bring in any houseplants that have spent the
summer outside. The plants will need to be inspected for insect pests
before coming indoors. Spiders, mites and scale insects are typical
pests to look for. Spray the plants with a hose to dislodge them.
Insecticidal soap can be applied as well. The plants may also need
repotting after being exposed to increased light and rainfall.

As the end of the month approaches it will be time to put up some deer
protection. Young trees are the targets for bucks marking their
territory and rubbing the fuzz off their antlers. Vinyl tree wraps are
the easiest product to use for protection. Trees that are an average of
two inches in caliper should be wrapped by the beginning of October.
Half dozen trees can be protected for around ten dollars- a reasonable
protection of a long term investment.

The weather is still mild and the rainfall has been reliable. There is
still time to seed the lawn. Go over bare patches roughly with a rake
to
break up the soil. Starter fertilizer can be applied if the area hasn’t
been fertilized this year. Scatter a grass seed blend over the area. A
light covering of clean straw will help retain moisture as well as
prevent the seed from washing away during a downpour. Keep the seed bed
moist until the seed germinates. And then water every few days until it
is established.

Now is the time to select and purchase spring flowering bulbs. The best
selection is available in September. Keep the bulbs in a cool dry place
until planting time in October.

Daffodils (narcissus), hyacinths, alliums, scillas and snowdrops are
all
deer resistant varieties. Tulips, a favorite of deer and rabbits,
should
be planted in a bed protected from wildlife.

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the
Nursery
Manager at the Belle Mead Co-Op. Questions and comments can be sent to
bethtanical@patmedia.net